The Ninja archetype is a masterclass in strategic evolution, transforming from a scattered collection of monsters into a cohesive, control-oriented strategy that can pivot into a decisive One-Turn Kill (OTK). Its modern identity revolves around a flexible, reactive game plan, disrupting opponents on their own turn through a unique fusion-based engine. This report delves into the core components, combo lines, and competitive standing of this skill-intensive deck, exploring the secret arts of the modern shinobi.
Role: Starter & Searcher
The heart of the deck. Searches for a "Ninjitsu Art" on Normal Summon or any "Ninja" monster on Special Summon. Its non-once-per-turn effects enable immense resource generation.
Role: Starter & Disruptor
Initiates plays by summoning a Ninja from the deck. Its crucial Quick Effect allows for Fusion Summons during the opponent's turn, forming the core of the deck's reactive strategy.
Role: Extender & Disruptor
Provides in-archetype monster effect negation by flipping monsters' positions, offering targeted disruption.
Role: Extender & Recycler
Creates resource loops by summoning itself when searched and returning key cards from the graveyard to the hand.
Role: Primary Disruptor
Summoned by Meizen's effect, it flips opposing monsters face-down permanently, neutralizing threats and clogging the board.
Role: Extender & Disruptor
A valuable extender that provides a "Book of Moon"-like disruption effect from the Graveyard.
Role: Combo Enabler
Tributes a Ninja to swarm the field with others from the deck, setting up disruptions and Extra Deck plays.
Role: Extender & Removal
Tributes any face-down monster (even your opponent's) to summon a Ninja from your deck.
Role: OTK Enabler
The irreplaceable keystone of the Ninja OTK, making a non-archetype boss monster a "Ninja" to enable direct attacks.
A dynamic web of disruption centered around Meizen.
Summons a Ninja from deck (like Jioh) as a Quick Effect to disrupt opponent's plays.
Summoned via Tobari's effect for non-destruction removal, banishing itself and an opponent's card.
An overwhelming offensive push to end the game.
Enables all "Ninja" monsters to attack directly.
Becomes a "Ninja" that can attack twice directly for over 6000 damage.
While the Ninja core remains untouched, the archetype's The deck benefits from generic Warrior support like Reinforcement of the Army and powerful generic Extra Deck monsters. means restrictions on generic support cards do have an impact.
Meta Implications: Despite restrictions on support cards, Ninja's Ninja excels at setting up multiple bodies quickly and converting them into powerful Link plays. allows the deck to remain viable with alternative tech choices.
Banlist Status Summary
Core cards checked:
• Baku the Beast Ninja
• Hidden Village of Ninjitsu Arts
• Jioh the Gravity Ninja
• Meizen the Battle Ninja
• Mitsu the Insect Ninja
• Ninja Grandmaster Hanzo
• Ninjitsu Art of Dancing Leaves
• Ninjitsu Art of Duplication
• Tobari the Sky Ninja
• Yaguramaru the Armor Ninja
+ Related cards checked:
• Borrelsword Dragon
• Pot of Prosperity
• Reinforcement of the Army analyzed •
0 archetype restrictions •
2 synergistic cards restricted
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